NORFOLK, VA – The City of Norfolk will seek a new recycling contract following TFC’s decision to exercise the 90-day opt-out clause in its contract and stop residential recycling curbside collection on November 1, 2018.
TFC notified City staff in writing on July 31st. The notice states TFC’s decision is based primarily on China’s tougher new restrictions on recycling imports, “In July of 2017, the Chinese government implemented extensive bans on the importation of scrap material and elevated the acceptable standard for scrap paper grades by an order of magnitude.” A copy of the notice is attached.
In response, Norfolk will release a Request for Proposal (RFP) for recycling. The RFP will refine collection to items that are marketable.
Residents will not experience a change in residential recycling collection. If a new recycling contract is not in place by November 1st, City waste management crews will collect recycling on the current collection schedule and deliver the materials to a waste to energy facility.
Norfolk has a long history of supporting the environment. For more than 30 years, Norfolk’s garbage has gone to a waste to energy facility which creates steam and electricity for the Navy.
Residents can find information about the current status of recycling in Norfolk and a FAQ at
www.norfolk.gov/recycle. Staff will continue to keep this webpage updated as new information become available.